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Pre-school Dental Progam Smile Day
The Rutherford Polk McDowell District Health Department will be partnering with the McDowell Hospital's Preschool Dental
Program to offer 
Free Dental Screenings to all children from 0-5 years of age.
Kids can enjoy plenty of Free Activities such as:
- Giant Inflatables
- Swimming in the YMCA Pool
- Healthy Snacks
- KidSenses Stuffee Program with two showings (10:00AM & 11:30AM)
- Meet SpongeBob SquarePants
- And much more
The Smile Day will be held at the Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion on Thursday, March 1 from 9:30AM until 12:30PM.
Norovirus Infections Spreading Widely Across North Carolina
Many health departments across North Carolina have reported an increase in the number of Norovirus cases which has prompted State Public Health officials to inform the public of what Norovirus is and some things you can do to try and protect your family. Locally within Rutherford, Polk and McDowell Counties there have been no reported cases of Norovirus. However, we realize that you may travel to other areas in North Carolina and it will be helpful to know more about Norovirus and what you can do to avoid getting Norovirus.
Noroviruses are the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the United States. It is usually not serious for healthy people but it can be serious in young children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions.
The symptoms of Norovirus include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Other symptoms may include: Low grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and general feeling of tiredness.
There are some things you can do to prevent the spread of Norovirus. Norovirus spreads quickly from person to person in crowded, close places such as: rest homes, nursing homes, daycare centers, schools, hotels and cruise ships. You can wash hands carefully with soap and water after each trip to the bathroom, after changing diapers and always before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren't available use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
You should also carefully wash all fruits and vegetables as well as cook oysters and shellfish thoroughly before eating them.
If you were to get Norovirus, while you have symptoms and for 3 days afterward, do not prepare food for anyone. Clean and disinfect any surface where you have had diarrhea or vomiting with a bleach solution. If clothing or linens are soiled due to vomiting or diarrhea, handle with disposable gloves, and wash with detergent in washing machine and dry in dryer.
For more information about norovirus go to the following website:
www.ncpublichealth.com
For more information about cleanup in private homes can be found at this website:
www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/dfp_fooddefense-epidemiology.htm
The full Press Release from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services can be found:
www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2012/2012-01-31_Norovirus_Infections_Spreading_NC.htm
Ladies Night Out Educational Forum (February)
The Rutherford Polk McDowell District Health Department has joined with the McDowell Hospital in a collaborative effort to present the Ladies Night Out Educational Forum. This is a educational series for women where Women's Health Issues are addressed. The Forum began in January where women from the community were invited to discuss Women's Breast Health. Alma Bartlet from the McDowell Health Department's Breast and Cervical Cancer Program was one of the speakers.
Future forums will be held the second Tuesday of each month at the McDowell Hospital's Business Services Board Room in Marion. In February, the forum will be held February 7 from 5:30pm until 6:30pm. The featured topic will be Women's Heart Health presented by Dr. Adam Kinninger.
To learn more about the Ladies Night Out Educational Forum, please call Alma Bartlet at 659-6628.
National Children's Dental Health Month
One of the best habits you can teach your child is proper dental care – and the earlier the better! The first set of teeth, commonly called baby teeth, is important for helping the jaw grow to its proper shape and size. Baby teeth are necessary for developing good speech habits, maintaining spaces for permanent teeth, and chewing foods. Since baby teeth do so much, they need good care.
For Healthy Smiles follow these dental health guidelines:
- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
- Pacifier use should stop by age 12-18 months. Use beyond the age of 3 can cause dental problems as well as speech problems.
- Long term use of sippy cups containing any liquid other than water, can increase chances of tooth decay for your child
- Encourage healthy eating habits. Limit sweet snacks, especially soft drinks. Soft drinks are full of sugar that promotes decay and acid that erodes the teeth. Sugary foods are best served as desserts. Brush teeth after eating foods with sugars.
- Help your child brush his/her teeth after meals and snacks, and especially at bedtime.
- Floss your preschooler's teeth daily, especially the back molars. Preschool children can't floss well for themselves. Flossing removes plaque and debris from the sides of the teeth where the toothbrush does not reach.
- If your child has not already had a dental exam, make an appointment for the first dental checkup. Having a dental checkup before a problem occurs can be a positive first dental experience.
American Heart Month
Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its affects, the Rutherford Polk McDowell District Health Department is proudly participating in American Heart Month.
In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk for CAD through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.
You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease.
- Watch your weight.
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
- Get active and eat healthy.
- Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin every day if you are a man over the age of 45, or a woman past menopause.
- Manage stress.
